When was the last time you left a meeting ready to charge hell with a squirt gun?
Lousy meetings are problem-solving activities with the wrong people in the room. The topic eventually becomes, “What do “they” need to do?”
“We” turns to “they” in lousy meetings.
Drains:
#1. When meetings focus on people who aren’t in the room, leadership becomes telling. Expectations, direction, and accountability dominate conversations.
‘Telling-leaders’ don’t think of getting their hands dirty with building relationships and developing talent.
If all you do is give directions, you’re a road sign, not a leader.
A road sign has no power except what we give it.
Authority and punishment are the bastions of safety for directive leaders.
#2. Arrogance sets in when the wrong people are in the room. Suddenly you’re better than the culprits who aren’t in the meeting. Talking-about is easier than talking-with.
- “They need to… .”
- “Why aren’t they… .”
- “They should… .”
- “We’re not going to… .”
- “We’re better than… .”
When we compare our superior behavior to someone’s inferior performance, our noses ride just a bit higher.
Energy:
You might not believe it, but meetings don’t have to suck the life out you and your team.
- Make meetings small and short. The energy of a meeting is inversely proportional to the number of attendees multiplied by its duration.
- Include people who get their hands dirty doing real work.
- Mix operations with development. Begin meetings with:
- “What are you achieving that makes you proud?”
- “What did you do to achieve that?”
- “How might you be even better?”
- Turn to your traditional agenda.
- Conclude with, “Who does what by when?”
Meetings generate energy when:
- Teams brag about wins.
- Relationships are strengthened.
- The path forward is clear.
- Accountability focuses on the people around the table.
What would be true of a meeting that gives more energy than it takes?
What’s one thing leaders should never do in meetings?
